Despite its planned, centrally directed economy, Russia has not been able to tailor its university system to its manpower needs. Peculiarities in the Russian system, including the method for planning enrollments, stiff competition for university acceptance, and application regulations, are discussed. (JMD)

Because of alleged institutional violations of NACAC's Statement of Principles of Good Practice, the Admissions Practices and Procedures Committee proposed to clarify the wording of Article 11A-8. The goal was to give more order to the undergraduate system of admission notifications and deposits. This article gives the survey results. (Author)

The transcript of the high school record is the most important admission credential. The author takes a look at some transcripts which do not communicate clearly, putting applicants at a disadvantage. (Author)

Concern has been growing about the general preparedness of students who enter Ontario universities following completion of Year 5. Inconsistency in grading, fewer required courses at the secondary level, and lack of comparability in student evaluations are problems which may cause universities to reinstate entrance examinations. (Author/HLM)

Article concludes that because of the changing structure of higher education, the increasing political power of elementary and secondary school teachers, and the possibility of state control at all levels of education, secondary school curriculum and structure will no longer be determined by standards set by institutes of higher education. (RW)

Argues that if higher education is to get rid of affirmative action, it should first discontinue special admission of less qualified candidates who are admitted because they are athletes, alumni children, or the children of friends of administrators. Reports on a survey of 52 black college students concerning effects of affirmative action. (MSE)

A new business is using the Internet to sell compositions written by successful applicants to 60 competitive colleges and schools. Personnel of the service claim the essays are not to encourage plagiarism but to help disadvantaged or underprepared students compete. Admissions counselors disagree, and some are prepared to reject applicants…

Studied how performance on a standardized writing assessment might influence graduate admissions decisions if, along with test scores, test takers' essays were made available to admissions committees. Results for 27 test takers(2 essays each) suggest that the availability of examinee essays would have little, if any, influence on admissions…

After decades of criticism that standardized testing is culturally biased, the Educational Testing Service claims great strides in eliminating test bias in the Scholastic Assessment Tests and related tests and reports initiatives in cooperation with educators leading to better academic preparation for students of color. Critics still ask for…

During the 1997 session, many Texas lawmakers, especially Black and Hispanic Democrats, have introduced legislation to avert a crisis in the state's higher education system arising from the Hopwood v. Texas supreme court decision leading to discontinuance of affirmative action. Two controversial bills that were approved concerned softening of…

Over a hundred scholars, lawyers, researchers, advocates, college admissions and financial aid officers, and students met at Harvard University (Massachusetts) to explore how under-represented groups can be included in higher education in an anti-affirmative action climate. The conference is the third in a think-tank series on civil rights issues.…

Using a nine-year study, examines the extent to which selected admissions criteria predicted the future performance of 34 family therapy doctoral students. Age and clinical background were positively related to clinical ratings and letters of recommendation and student autobiographies were positively related to publications. Entrance exams and…

Used data from California and a simplified model of the University of California admissions process to explore how various approaches to admissions affect the diversity of the admitted student population. The only approach that substantially increased minority student representation was accepting most students on the basis of within-school rather…

The study with 497 majority and 82 minority medical students found that grade point averages for undergraduate science courses and a composite Medical College Admissions test score based on science and reading subtests were both valid and equally predictive of scores on the National Board of Medical Examiners Examination, Part I. (Author/DB)

Discusses techniques secondary school counselors can use to help parents understand and negotiate the college admissions process, including encouraging parental self-assessment; assisting parents to assess student; giving parents special tips; and maintaining open and ethical communication. (ABL)